The Babalaje of Ogbomoso land, Engineer Muftau Open Salawu has restored electricity to the Okin Apa community in Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State, after over two years of total blackout.
This was made known by the traditional ruler of Okin Apa in Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State, Oba (Professor) Akinola John Akintola, while expressing appreciation to the chairman of the Oyo state Project Performance and Monitoring Agency, Engineer Open Salawu for his gesture.
Oba Akintola disclosed that the entire town had been in darkness for more than two years following the breakdown of its transformer.
According to him, the damaged transformer had plunged the ancient town into unbearable hardship, forcing the palace to depend on solar energy for lighting and water supply.
The traditional ruler recounted that barely two days after he contacted Engineer Salawu to assist in procuring a new transformer for the town, the Waziri Jari of Nupe Kingdom promptly took action.
“To my amazement, Engineer Open Salawu just called me that the new transformer will be delivered unfailingly today. I am overwhelmed by his swift response and concern for the welfare of his people,” the monarch stated.
The royal father commended Engineer Salawu for his longstanding contributions to the development of Okin Apa, describing him as a “true son of the soil” whose benevolence extends beyond infrastructure.
“He is always supportive during our annual Ileya Festival through generous contributions in cash and kind to make our people happy,” Oba Akintola added.
While praying for Engineer Salawu’s continued success, long life, and prosperity, the monarch affirmed that the new transformer would bring immense relief and renewed vibrancy to the community.
“With the installation of this transformer, Okin Apa will once again experience total illumination and a refreshing atmosphere of joy,” he said.
In a related reaction, Mr. Ojo Oluwatanna Elijah, a hotelier and prominent poet from the town, expressed overwhelming joy over the development, likening the gesture to a personal gift.
“When I heard the good news that Engineer Salawu has supplied a new transformer from his hard-earned resources, I felt as though he bought it for me personally,” he enthused.
Mr. Oluwatanna described the governor’s aide as a patriotic Nigerian and a man of immense compassion.
“Engineer Open Salawu has once again proven to be an upholder of humanistic values and a true ambassador of Oyo State. With this act, he has restored life and hope to the people of Okin Apa,” he declared.
The new transformer is expected to end the town’s two-year ordeal without electricity, ushering in a new era of social and economic rejuvenation for residents.
